Today we spotlight two historical fiction verse novels for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12, though many older readers may enjoy them just as much). Both stories feature strong-willed girls with different language barriers who emerge from their tales more confident and resilient. MAY B. by Caroline Starr Rose tells the story of a 12-year-old girl in 1870s Kansas who struggles with dyslexia and finds herself stranded alone in a sod house as winter approaches. INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN by Thanhha Lai is inspired by the author’s own experiences fleeing Vietnam during the fall of Saigon and relocating to Alabama. The book’s heroine, Hà describes the fear and joy of living in Saigon before the fall, life on the fleeing navy vessel, two refugee camps and the culture shock of moving to a completely foreign land and learning a new language.

For those who want to learn more or share these books with young people in their lives, I suggest visiting the following websites: